8 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek From Kathmandu

Drive 8–9 hours (bus to Besisahar, then jeep) | Altitude: Chame 2,725 m | Overnight: Chame (lodge)

An early start from Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to Dumre and up the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar (760 m), the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.

Here you change to a 4WD jeep for the bumpy but spectacular ride up the deep Marsyangdi gorge, past waterfalls, the villages of Jagat, Tal and Dharapani, and into the pine forests of the Manang district. The day ends at Chame, the district headquarters, with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II and natural hot springs by the river.

Trek 5–6 hours (about 15 km) | Altitude: Pisang 3,200 m | Overnight: Pisang (lodge)

Your first full trekking day follows the Marsyangdi through pine and fir forest to Bhratang, an old apple-growing settlement, then past the enormous curved slab of the Paungda Danda rock face, which rises some 1,500 m above the river.

The valley opens up near Dhukur Pokhari and the trail climbs gently to Pisang (3,200 m), a village of flat-roofed stone houses with Annapurna II towering directly above. The scenery and the culture change noticeably from here, becoming drier and more Tibetan.

Trek 5–6 hours (about 18 km) | Highest point: Ghyaru 3,670 m | Overnight: Manang (lodge)

Take the upper route – harder but far more scenic than the valley trail. A steep zig-zag climb brings you to Ghyaru (3,670 m), a traditional stone village perched high on the hillside with close-up views of Annapurna II, III and IV and Gangapurna.

Continue along the high, open trail past chortens and prayer walls to the beautiful village of Ngawal, then descend to the valley floor, passing Braga and its cliff-side monastery, to Manang (3,540 m), the largest village in the upper valley.

Acclimatisation day, short hikes 2–4 hours | Altitude: 3,540 m | Overnight: Manang (lodge)

An essential rest day before going higher. Take a short hike above the village to the turquoise Gangapurna Lake, fed by the Gangapurna glacier, or climb to the viewpoint above for a panorama of the Annapurna range and the Chulu peaks.

More energetic trekkers can hike up to the cave monastery of Praken Gompa – home of the “100-rupee lama”, who blesses trekkers for a safe crossing of the pass. In the afternoon attend the free talk on altitude sickness given at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, and explore the narrow lanes, bakeries and small cinemas of Manang.

Trek 4–5 hours (about 9 km) | Altitude: 4,090 m | Overnight: Yak Kharka (lodge)

Leave the Marsyangdi valley and turn north-west into the Jarsang Khola valley. The trail climbs steadily past the village of Tengi and Gunsang, through juniper and scrub, with Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu West behind you.

As the name suggests, Yak Kharka (“yak pasture”) is surrounded by grazing grounds where you will see herds of yaks and possibly blue sheep. A short day to give your body time to adjust to the altitude.

Trek 4–5 hours (about 7 km) | Altitude: 4,450 m | Overnight: Thorong Phedi (lodge)

Continue up the valley to Letdar, then cross a suspension bridge and follow a narrow path across a scree slope – walk steadily and without stopping in this section because of the risk of falling rocks.

Arrive at Thorong Phedi (“foot of the Thorong”), a cluster of lodges at the base of the pass, by lunchtime. Rest in the afternoon, or hike up to High Camp (4,880 m) and back for acclimatisation. Go to bed early, as tomorrow starts before dawn.

Trek 8–9 hours + drive 1 hour | Highest point: Thorong La 5,416 m | Overnight: Jomsom (hotel)

The highlight and the toughest day of the trek. Start at about 4 am and climb steeply by torchlight to High Camp, then on a long, steady ascent over moraine and snowfields to the Thorong La (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The top is marked by prayer flags and a chorten, with views of the Annapurna and Mustang ranges and the dark Kali Gandaki valley far below.

The descent of about 1,600 m to Muktinath (3,762 m) is long and hard on the knees. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, with 108 water spouts and an eternal flame burning from natural gas. After visiting the temple, drive down to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district.

Drive 6–7 hours (or a 20-minute flight) | End of trek in Pokhara

Drive south through the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world, which cuts between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Stop at Marpha, a whitewashed Thakali village famous for its apples, apple brandy and monastery, then descend past Tukuche, Kalopani and the hot springs at Tatopani as the landscape turns green again.

Continue via Beni and along the highway to Pokhara, arriving in the evening. Alternatively, take the short scenic morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (extra cost) and enjoy a free afternoon by Phewa Lake.